East Texas coaching legend Bo Wilson, who led Bishop Gorman to a state football championship and could spin a yarn with the best of them, has passed away.

He was 80. Coach Wilson died at his home on April 9.

Visitation will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler followed by Rosary at 7 p.m.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at St. Peter and Paul’s Chapel on the Bishop Gorman campus in Tyler. The Most Reverend Joseph Strickland, Bishop of Tyler, will be the Celebrant of the Mass of Christian Burial. A graveside ceremony for family and burial will be held at Rose Lawn Cemetery.

Henry Carl “Bo” Wilson, who played football and graduated from the University of Houston, lived by three things - faith, family and football. In football, he always valued hard work, discipline, patriotism and love.

Coach Wilson, who served more than 35 years as a coach and history teacher, began in the Livingston and Houston school districts. He then became at head coach and athletic director at Baird, followed by Granbury, Stamford, Sweeny, Paris, Troup, Bullard, Arp and Bishop Gorman.

In 1995, he led the Crusaders to the TAPPS state football championship. He was also a scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers and an assistant coach for the Arena Football League Dallas Texans.

After football, the Marine reservist was a land man with his son Ryan.

Coach Wilson was also an avid golfer and scored two holes-in-one after retiring.

Coach Wilson is survived by his wife of 50 years, Penny, children Christie and Ryan and six grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in the memory of coach Bo Wilson to the Bishop Gorman Athletic Building Fund, Attn: Broadmax Family Crusader Center, 1405 SE Loop 323, Tyler, Texas 75701.